Linn, Tomodachi, and Yuzu are traveling down the path.
''So Yuzu'' Linn said. ''Mind telling us where we are going?''
''And more importantly'' Tomodachi said. ''when are we going to eat?'' Linn sweatdropped. Yuzu giggled.
''We are heading to the closest village from here, Honsen village. Maybe they might have seen your friends there. As for the food… ''Yuzu pointed to a grassy spot in front of a forest.
''We can stop there, and I'll make us something to eat.''
''Yay, food!'' Tomodachi cheered. Linn sighed.
The trio walked to the grassy spot that Yuzu pointed to. A large forest can be seen behind them.
''This looks like a good place to relax and have breakfast,'' Yuzu said. She then put her backpack down and pulled out cooking utensils, ingredients, a portable fire, and a portable table.
Linn and Tomodachi sweatdropped. 'How was she keeping all that in that small backpack?' They thought.
''Here we go,'' Yuzu said, finishing setting everything up. She turned towards the boys. ''Now, you boys sit down here while I prepare breakfast.''
Linn and Tomo sat at the table while Yuzu put on her cooking apron and began cooking.
30 minutes later
Yuzu was done cooking and brought three dishes to the table. It was a typical Japanese breakfast: steamed rice, miso soup, grilled fish, and fried eggs.
''Breakfast is served!' 'Yuzu said proudly, holding her ladle with two-fisted hips on her side.
'''Wow, this looks great, Yuzu,'' Linn said. He tried to grab the food, but Yuzu swatted his hand with her ladle.
''Not so fast, Linn-san,'' Yuzu said ''You have to say your prayers first.''
''Oh right, sorry,'' Linn said, blowing on his red hand. He then put his hands together and said a quick prayer. He grabbed his chopstick and was about to dig in when he noticed something.
'Tomo has been quiet; what is he doing?' Linn thought. He turned towards his left to find Tomo staring at his mouth-watering food and his eyes sparkling. Linn sweatdropped.
''Uh Tomo?'' Linn said cautiously.
Tomo turned towards his master, eyes still sparkling and mouth still watering.
''Yes, master?'' Tomo asked, panting.
''Aren't you going to eat?'' Linn asked.
''Can I? Can I? Can I? Is it ok? Don't you have to do the thing?'' Tomo asked quickly.
Linn was confused at first, but then he remembered.
''Oh yeah!'' Linn said he put his hand into a snapping position as Tomodachi saw this and was getting ready.
''Go boy,'' Linn snapped his finger once. Tomodachi began chowing down on the food, not bothering to use the utensils.
''Slow down Tomo'' Linn said.
''Was he really that hungry?'' Yuzu asked, sitting on the other side of the table.
''Beats me,'' Linn replied. ''He can't control himself when it comes to food. He likes it, I guess.''
''He's making a mess from what I see,'' Yuzu deadpanned before dodging a food projectile that Tomo made. '' Honestly'' Yuzu said taking a bite of rice ''You need to teach your beastkalin some manners.''
Linn looked confused ''my… beastkalin?''
Yuzu looked at Linn strangely. She then remembered, ''Oh yes, that's right. You guys came from another world; you wouldn't know what a beastkalin is.'' Yuzu put her chopstick down and explained, ''A beastkalin is a half-human, half-animal hybrid that has characteristics of both humans and the animal that they were born with.''
'' I see,'' Linn said, nodding. ''That reminds me, Yuzu, what is this world? And is there a way to get back to my world?''
''Well…'' Yuzu put her finger to her chin. ''I guess from your point of view, this would be a magical world, much different from yours.'' Yuzu put her hands on her lap. ''But I'm probably not the best person to ask. I've lived here my whole life. I didn't know there were other worlds.''
''Oh…'' Linn said, slightly disappointed. ''Do you at least know what this world is called?''
Yuzu smiled ''That's easy! It's called Seren.''
''Seren…''Linn repeated ''I'll try to remember that...''
Linn finished his breakfast. ''Thanks for the food,'' Linn said, putting his hands together. He was about to get up before Yuzu stopped him.
''Not so fast, Linn-san'' Yuzu said ''There's one more dish you have to finish.'' Yuzu pointed to the untouched grilled fish.
Linn begins to sweat ''Oh, I was...saving it for later?'' Linn said, rubbing the back of his head.
Yuzu took a scolding stance ''Now Linn-san, it's not nice to lie to your friends.'' Yuzu scolded.
''I'm not lying,'' Linn said. ''I'm just so full that I can't take another bite.''
''Linn-san'' Yuzu said. ''Do I look like an idiot? You think I don't know when my child- I mean my friend is lying to me?'' Yuzu closed her eyes and wagged her finger. ''From what I see, you don't like fish, and that's ok, but I already made it, and you shouldn't waste food. Plus, fish is a good sign of protein, and you're still a growing boy and-''
As Yuzu was still nagging, Linn secretly pushed the dish to Tomo's side.
''And another thing…'' Yuzu opened her eyes and saw Linn pushing the dish to Tomodachi.
''LINN-SAN!''
''AH!'' Linn said, startled as he pushed the dish before Tomodachi. Tomodachi saw the dish and ate it up in one bite. Tomo was looking for more food and realized no more food was left.
''Oh there's no more…'' Tomodachi sulked. Meanwhile, Linn sighed in relief.
''Oh no, my dog ate my food,'' Linn said dramatically. ''Oh well, there's nothing I can do about it now, ha ha ha… Linn laughed before flinching as Yuzu had sent him a fearsome glare.
''We are going to have a nice long talk, do you understand me?'' Yuzu asked darkly.
Linn gulped ''Y-yes ma,am…''
000
The gang cleaned up and was ready to go.
''Ok,'' Yuzu said, gripping her backpack. ''Now that our tummies are full, we should get going.''
''Yeah!'' Linn said enthusiastically, grabbing his backpack with Tomodachi trailing behind him. Just then, Tomodachi's ears perked up, and he began sniffing.
Linn and Yuzu looked at Tomo, curious ''What's wrong, boy?'' Linn asked.
''Someone here'' Tomodachi said.
At that, Linn's face took on a serious expression while Yuzu looked around nervously.
''Who is it, boy?'' Linn asked.
''I don't know, but I am picking up some hostility.''
''Is it Detriment?''
''No, it's someone else, but it's weird.'' Tomodachi relaxed a little. ''I'm picking up hostility, but the presence is calming and familiar.''
''There!'' Tomodachi pointed to the woods as a person in a dark cloak emerged from the forest.
"Oops, looks like you found me," said the person in a masculine voice, confirming that the person was male.
Linn signals Yuzu and Tomo to stand behind him before stepping toward the cloaked figure.
''Who are you?'' Linn asked ''What do you want?''
''Who I am is not important,'' the cloaked man said. ''What is important is who you are. Linn Tsukiyomi, correct?''
Linn glared at the figure. ''How do you know me?''
'"Let's just say I did a little research," the cloaked man said, smirking under his hood. The cloaked man brought out a book and began reading from it. "Linn Tsukiyomi, age 12, height 4'11", weight 88 lbs, blood type AB. Favorite things to do are watching anime and wrestling. Shall I continue?" The man asked rhetorically. The gang stood in shock.
''Why do you know so much about me?!'' Linn yelled.
''Like I said, I did a little research.'' the man said. ''Now that I have you here, you can help me.''
''And why would I help you?'' Linn asked.
The cloaked man blinked beneath his hood, feeling confused. He then pulled out the book and began reading once again.
''That's weird,'' the cloaked man said, flipping through the pages.
''It says here that you help people in need, no questions asked.''
''Yeah, but I'm not going to help people who are clearly up to no good,'' Linn said.
''Uh, Master?'' Tomodachi said, ''Didn't you help Madoka get away from stealing from the village.'
Linn sweatdropped ' ''T-that was just an accident.''
The cloaked man closed the book. ''Well, in any case, you will help me. You don't get a say in this.''
Linn glared at the man. ''and if I don't?''
''Then I'll tell your friends your secret.''
Yuzu and Tomo looked at Linn as Linn raised an eyebrow.
''What secret?'' Linn asked.
The cloaked man waves to Linn to come closer. Linn comes closer and cupped his ear.
The cloaked man whispers in his ear. Linn nods, and then eyes grow wide.
''WHATTTTTT?'' Linn screamed to the heavens, startling Yuzu and Tomo.
''W-what? W-why? H-H-how do you know that!?'' Linn stammered out, completely flustered.
''Hehehe,'' the cloaked man chuckled. ''It's all in the book. So you in a helping mode now?''
''I- I- I'll be right back,'' Linn said, running back to the two as the man was chuckling.
Linn is facing Yuzu and Tomo, still wholly flustered.
''Linn -san! Are you ok?!'' Yuzu asked, worried.
''I'm fine,'' Linn said, ''But I've decided to help this man.''
''Why?'' Yuzu asked.
''Because it's the right thing to do?'' Linn replied.
''You don't sound convinced, master,'' Tomodachi deadpanned.
''Anyway,'' Linn said. ''We just need to help this man and be on our way.''
''Does it have to do with this ''secret?'' Tomodachi asked.
''No?'' Linn lied horribly.
''Master/Linn-san'' they both said.
''Ok, yes!'' Linn said, giving in '' I have to help him, or he's going to spill it.''
''Is it really bad?'' Yuzu asked.
''It's SUPER bad'' Linn replied.
''Wait master'' Tomodachi said ''What could it be? I know everything about you.''
''You don't know about it, Tomo,'' Linn said.
''Do you want to help him?'' Yuzu asked.
''I don't know,'' Linn said, ''But I don't want him to tell you guys about it.''
''Wouldn't that be better?'' Tomodachi asked.
''...Huh? ''Linn said.
''If you tell us your secret, he wouldn't have anything to hold you-''
''I CAN'T DO THAT!!'' Linn screamed, causing the two to flinch.
''W-why,'' Yuzu said.
''Because…''Linn said.
''Master, we don't have to do this if you just tell us,'' Tomodachi said.
''I know, but... ''Linn said
''But?'' They both said
''I…'' Linn says before he begins shaking like an embarrassed schoolgirl.
''I JUST CAN'T!!'' Tomo and Yuzu facefaulted.
''Look,'' Linn said, ''Let's help the guy, and then we can go. So will you help me?'' Linn pleaded.
Tomodachi and Yuzu nodded to Linn.
''Of course, I'll be glad to help you,'' Yuzu said, smiling.
''You know I'm with you regardless,'' Tomodachi said.
Linn smiled ''thanks guys.''
The gang walked to the cloaked man. The man was sitting down, holding a sketchbook and drawing.
''What are you doing?'' Linn asked.
''Drawing your favorite anime character,'' the cloaked man replied. He showed Linn the sketch. It was indeed Linn's favorite anime character.
Linn was surprised ''How do you even-''
''Book,'' the cloaked man replied.
''Right…''Linn sighed. Anyway, I've decided to help you.''
''Excellent! '' the man got up and put his sketchbook away. ''It's not like you had a choice or anything, he hehe,'' he chuckled evilly.
''Just tell me what you want'' Linn said, annoyed.
''Touchy,'' the man said. ''It's simple. See those woods?'' He pointed to the woods. ''I was exploring when I dropped my briefcase. I need you to go in there and retrieve it.''
''Sounds easy enough,'' Linn said as he started walking, he was stopped by Tomodachi.
''Hold on, master,'' Tomo said. He then glared at the man.'' Suppose you were exploring these woods and dropped your briefcase. Why can't you go back there and get it? Why does my master have to do it?''
The cloaked man just chuckled ''Simple. Because I said so. Now get going, mutt, unless you want your 'master's' 'secret' to come out.''
''Why you!'' Tomo growled and prepared to launch at the man, but his master stopped him.
''No boy, down!'' Linn said sternly, holding Tomodachi in place.
''But master…''Tomodachi said.
''No buts,'' Linn said. ''Let's just go and get this over with.'' Linn walked into the woods, dragging Tomo along as Yuzu followed them.
''Have fun! '' the cloaked man said.
000
Woods
Linn, Tomodachi, and Yuzu were walking in the forest, searching for the briefcase.
''I can't believe we're doing this…''Tomodachi complained.
''You said that three times already, Tomo,'' Linn said, slightly annoyed.
''Because I don't understand why we must help this man,'' Tomodachi said.
''Because he knows my secret, and I don't want that getting out?'' Linn said like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
''That's another thing I don't understand,'' Tomodachi said. ''You're letting this unknown man blackmail you into doing his dirty work because he knows your 'secret'?''
Linn sighed ''you wouldn't understand, Tomo.''
''Then can you explain to me in a way that I can understand?'' Tomodachi asked
''I can't'' Linn replied.
''Why not?'' Tomo asked.
''I just can't.''
''But why?''
''I JUST CAN'T, OK?! NOW DROP IT!'' Linn yelled angrily. Tomo stops and starts to tear up. He then begins to cry.
''LINN-SAN! That was mean!'' Yuzu said, going to Tomodachi to calm him down.
''I didn't mean…'' Linn looked down in guilt.
Yuzu wiped Tomo's tears and turned towards Linn.
''It's ok, Linn-san, we understand. Whatever this secret is, we know it means a lot to you; we won't pry anymore.'' Yuzu smiled.
''Thanks, Yuzu,'' Linn said as he approached Tomo. ''Tomo, I'm sorry that I yelled at you. I was just-
Tomo's ears perked up at that moment, and he pushed Linn.
''Tomo?!'' Linn exclaimed.
''Watch out!'' Tomo shouted as he grabbed Yuzu. A giant orange boar-like creature came charging in the middle of the gang.
''What the?!'' Linn exclaimed. The boar stooped and glared at Linn; he stomped his hooves and charged towards Linn. Linn was taken aback by the sudden assault and grabbed his tusks before he could impale him. The boar was slightly more robust and pushed Linn to the ground. As Linn was on the ground, he put one foot on the boar's stomach and flipped him backward. The boar was sent flying but landed on his hooves and charged towards Linn. Linn got up and tried to defend himself, but the boar was too fast and rammed Linn with his snout.
''Master! Linn-san!'' Tomodachi and Yuzu called out. Linn was sent flying towards the ground, holding his stomach. The boar stomped his hooves again and charged towards Linn again. As Linn prepared for another attack, Yuzu stepped before him, holding her ladle.
''Yuzu? What are you doing?!' Linn exclaimed, surprised. Yuzu looked down at Linn and smiled.
''Protecting you, of course,'' Yuzu said.
''But-'' Linn began to say but was interrupted by the boar charging at the two. Yuzu turned her attention to the boar as the boar was charging at the two; Yuzu swung her ladle in a golf-like motion and smacked the boar on his chin, sending him flying.
''Wha?'' Linn's and Tomodachi's jaws collectively dropped. Yuzu spins her ladle and begins charging at the boar. The boar got up and charged at Yuzu. The boar swung with his tusk, but Yuzu sidestepped and clonked the boar on his head. The boar was angry, so he tried to swing his tusks again, but Yuzu dodged by jumping up and swinging her ladle downwards on the boar's head and landing on the other side. The boar had an angry tick mark on his head and glared at Yuzu furiously. He stomped his hooves again and charged at Yuzu at full speed.
Yuzu, undaunted, spins her ladle and charges at the boar. Yuzu with her ladle and the boar with his tusk clash and end up on opposite sides. Linn and Tomodachi stare in awe as the two combatants stand there. The next thing you knew, the boar collapsed with swirly eyes and three comical bumps on his head.
Yuzu spun her ladle, put it back in her hoodie, and walked towards the boys.
''Are you ok, Linn san? ''Yuzu asked, worried.
''I'm fine, but that was amazing, Yuzu!'' Linn said excitedly.
''Yea,'' Tomodachi added ''Where was that when Detriment attacked?''
Yuzu giggled ''I did tell you guys that I'm pretty handy in a fight as long as I have my ladle. I would have fought against Detriment if SOMEONE Didn't take my ladle'' She sent Linn a glare as Linn whistled innocently.
''In any case,'' Yuzu said, looking at the sky. ''We've been walking awhile, and it's getting dark. Maybe we should take a break?''
Linn looked at the sky, and sure enough, the sky was pitch black.
''That sounds like a good idea,'' Linn said. ''I was hoping we could do this in one shot, but I guess that was a bit much.''
''Plus, I'm hungry,'' Tomodachi added. Linn sweatdropped.
'Surprise, surprise,' Linn thought.
Yuzu giggled. ''well, you're in luck. I was thinking of setting up camp and making dinner. And I know just what to make…'' she gleamed at the unconscious boar with a star in her eye. She moved towards the boar.
''Do you need help, Yuzu?'' Linn asked. Yuzu shook her head.
''No, I got it,'' Yuzu said as she lifted the boar over her shoulder. Linn and Tomodachi started with comical, shocked expressions.
''You boys wait there while I get everything set up,'' Yuzu said, carrying the boar.
The boys stand there flabbergasted. Tomo then whispers to Linn.
''Master, remind me not to piss off Yuzu.''
''Remind me too. I don't want to be on her bad side again.''
000
They finished eating their boar meat and continued on the trail.
''Where is that briefcase?'' Tomodachi asked.
''I don't know,'' Linn said, ''But I hope we find it soon. I don't want to be stuck here all night.''
''Don't worry, you guys,'' Yuzu said, carrying a flashlight. ''We'll find it, I'm sure of it!''
The three of them were still searching the forest for a few minutes.
''Wait, what's that?'' Linn pointed to a darkened rector shape on the ground. Yuzu shined her flashlight on it. It looked like a brown, narrow-hard, box-shaped case.
''There it is! the briefcase!'' Linn ran up to it and grabbed it.
''But are we sure it's that man's?'' Tomodachi asked.
"It got to be! "Linn said ''Yuzu, shine your light on it.'' Yuzu flashed her flashlight on the box. Sure enough, it was a brown briefcase that had large words carved on it that said 'that man.'
"Yeah, that's his alright'' Tomodachi deadpanned.
"We found the briefcase; now let's get out of here," Linn said as he and Yuzu began walking; Tomo stopped them.
"Um, guys?" Tomodachi asked. Yuzu and Linn turned to him. "It's great we found the briefcase, but how do we escape the forest?"
Linn and Yuzu froze.
"It's fine. I'm sure Yuzu knows the way out," Linn said
Yuzu flinched. "Y-yeah, it's that way'' Yuzu pointed randomly.
"That's a tree," Tomodachi deadpanned.
"Oh…" Yuzu sweatdropped.
''Don't worry, " Linn smiled. "We'll just retrace our steps. There nothing to worry about- "
Hiss!
The three heard the sound. Tomodachi's ears perked up while Linn took a guard position, and Yuzu assumed a panicked pose.
"W-what was that?" Yuzu panicked.
"I don't know, '' Linn said. "Tomo, can you pinpoint its location?''
"Hold on," Tomodachi said as he closed his eyes and used his ears. He heard slithering noises from the south. Coming closer and closer.
"It's coming… '' Tomodachi said.
"There!" Tomodachi opened his eyes and turned around. The two followed suit to find a giant green snake coming out of the woods and landing in front of the gang.
''A S-SNAKE?!" Yuzu wailed out, eyes whited out and crying comical tears.
''Wow, A giant snake,'' Linn said, amazed.
''Linn-san! This is no time to be impressed!'' Yuzu scolded, bending forward slightly and balling her fists in an indignant stance.
''It's attacking!'' Tomo yelled. The snake attacks the group as the trio dodges out of the way. Linn charged at the snake, throwing a punch at its midsection. The snake hissed in pain before turning to Linn. It opened its mouth, charging at Linn to take a bite. Linn braced for impact as the snake was closing in before it could take a bite. Yuzu blocked its mouth with her ladle.
She then swung her ladle in a golf-like manner, hitting the snake on the chin. The snake stumbled a little.
''Nice shot, Yuzu'' Linn complimented.
''Thanks, Linn-san'' Yuzu smiled.
Before the two can celebrate, the snake wraps its large body around them as they grasp for air.
Tomodachi was panicking.
'What do I do? Master hasn't given me the order to attack yet…' Tomo thought.
The snake was still strangling the two as the two began to turn blue. Tomo looked worried and then shook his head.
'Dammit,' Tomo charged at the snake and took a big bite. The snake hissed in pain and dropped Linn and Yuzu. The two were on the ground, gasping for air as Tomo approached them.
Linn looked at Tomo. ''Way to go, Tomo, you saved us-'' Linn said before Tomodachi glomped him.
''Master, I'm so sorry! Please forgive me!'' Tomodachi said, crying comical tears. Linn and Yuzu looked at Tomo, confused.
''What are you talking about, boy?'' Linn said.
''I'm sorry I attacked without your permission, but you and Yuzu were in danger. I didn't have a choice.'' Tomodachi said, still crying ''please don't be angry with me.''
Linn got up and gently pushed Tomo off. "Tomo, it's okay. I'm not mad. Why would I be? You saved us."
Tomo wiped his tears, ''but I still attacked without your permission…''
''Tomo, you don't need my permission to help or defend yourself. You are your own man, dog person. You can make decisions for yourself.'' Linn assured.
''Then why do you get mad when I do that?'' Tomo asked.
''What do you mean?'' Linn asked.
''Back in our world, you would scold me whenever I tried to bite cats, mailmen, or Kaila. You would lock me in that dreaded cage and say from now on, you can't bite people without my permission.''
Linn blink rapidly ''I said that?'' Linn asked.
''Yes,'' Tomodachi confirmed.
''Linn-san…'' Yuzu said, giving him a disappointed mother look.
Linn waved his hands fanatically, ''Wait, it's not what you think! He was a puppy then, and I was training him—'' a loud hissing sound was heard before he could finish.
The trio turned to the sound to find the giant snake glaring at them and impatiently tapping his tail to the ground. The snake hissed as if to say, 'I'm still here, you know.'
The group got into battle stances, ready to fight the snake. The snake hissed and was prepared to charge at the trio until it spotted something on the ground. The trio followed the snake's line of sight to notice it staring intently at the briefcase. The snake stared at the briefcase while Linn nervously realized the snake's intention. Nobody moved or made a sound while a leaf was falling on the ground. The leaf slowly descended to the floor as nobody made a single move.
As soon as the leaf hit the ground, both the snake and Linn rushed to the briefcase. The snake grabbed it with its teeth, while Linn grabbed it with his hands, initiating a tug-of-war with it.
Yuzu and Tomo stare dumbfounded at the sight.
''Um'' Yuzu said.'' What's going on?''
''It apparently wants the briefcase," Tomo answered.
''But why?'' Yuzu asked.
''Who cares why?!'' Linn shouted. ''He's not getting it!'' Linn was still trying to pry the briefcase from the snake's jaw. Yuzu ran up to Linn and grabbed him by the waist, hoping to help him; Tomo followed by grabbing Yuzu's waist. The three tried to capture the briefcase from the snake, but the snake's grip was too firm. The tug of war went on for two minutes, neither side giving an inch.
''Linn -san!'' Yuzu spoke up ''This isn't working! He's too strong!''
''Try harder!'' Linn yelled.
''Why don't we just give him the briefcase?''
Linn looked at Yuzu like he had been slapped in the face.
''What?! Are you crazy?!''
''He doesn't want to harm us anymore,'' Yuzu explained. '' He seems more interested in the briefcase than us, so if we give it to him, he might leave us alone.''
''But my secret…''Linn said.
Yuzu took on a serious expression and looked Linn in the eye.
''Linn -san, what's more important, your secret? or our lives?'' Yuzu asked.
Linn pondered this for a second.
''LINN-SAN!'' Yuzu scolded.
''What?! I'm thinking!'' Linn said.
Tomo glanced between Yuzu, his master, and the snake. Suddenly, he remembered something: he released Yuzu and rummaged through Linn's backpack.
''Tomo, what are you doing?'' Linn asked as Yuzu looked on curiously. Tomo was searching for something and then found it and pulled it out.
''I got it!'' Tomo said it was the cabbage that the cabbage man had given to Linn.
Linn and Yuzu just stared at Tomo with blank expressions.
''Um, boy?'' Linn hesitantly asked ''What are you going to do with that?''
''Just watch,'' Tomo said as he winded up the cabbage and threw it into the snake's mouth.
The snake swallowed the cabbage whole and looked confused. It started gagging; it let go of the briefcase and began hacking and gagging. Linn was holding the briefcase as the trio looked on.
''Wow.'' Linn said. ''Are his cabbages really that bad?''
Linn and Tomo turned to Yuzu. Yuzu shrugged her shoulders.
''Don't ask me. I never had them.''
''Well, who cares?'' Linn smiled. ''We got the briefcase. Let's get out.'' Before Linn could finish, the snake smacked him from behind. Taken off guard, Linn collided with Yuzu and Tomo and dropped the briefcase. The three landed in a heap as the snake dragged the briefcase with its tongue and began to run away, still gagging.
''NO WAIT'' Linn shouted he got up and ran after the snake but the snake was faster and disappeared into the woods and like that, the snake was gone.
Linn fell to the ground, devastated. Yuzu and Tomodachi walked to Linn with concern in their eyes.
''Master, Are you ok?'' Tomo asked.
Linn got up and sighed ''No… we need to get the briefcase back. Come on.''
Linn walked towards the part where the snake disappeared, too. Tomo followed, but Yuzu stopped them.
''Wait, you guys, '' Yuzu said. Linn and Tomodachi stopped and turned to Yuzu.
''What's wrong?'' Linn asked.
''Maybe we should just give up,'' Yuzu said. Linn looked shocked.
''WHAT?! WHY?!'' Linn yelled, shocked.
Yuzu put her hands on her hips. ''Linn-san, we've been in this forest all day and encountered several creatures that almost killed us. I'm sure we'll all exhausted.''
''But I need that briefcase or else…'' Linn looked down.
Yuzu gently grabbed Linn's hands. ''I know, your secret, but like I said, what's more important, our lives or your secret? I'm sorry, Linn-san, but I don't want us to risk our lives for this secret. So can we leave this alone and continue on our journey?''
Linn was silent; he didn't know what to do. Yuzu drags Linn by the arm to get him to leave the forest. Linn couldn't stop thinking about the man and his secret being exposed as they walked. Images of the man laughing and his friends' shocked and disappointed expressions played in his head. He stopped in place as Yuzu looked concerned.
''Linn-san?'' Yuzu said, worried, still holding his arm. Linn violently pulled his arm out of Yuzu's grip. Yuzu and Tomo looked surprised.
''I'm sorry'' Linn said sadly. ''But I can't leave here without that briefcase.''
At that moment, Yuzu's concern turned into anger. She took her scolding stance.
''Linn -san! What part of 'not risking our lives for your secret' do you not understand?! I know this 'secret' means a lot to you, but I'm not going to sit here and put all our lives in danger for said secret!''
''I'm sorry, master,'' Tomo piped up, ''but I must agree with Yuzu. This has started to become an obsession, and I'm getting worried about your mental state. This secret is not worth risking your life.''
Linn sent a harsh glare at the two, which sent shivers down both of their spines.
''WELL IT IS TO ME!'' Linn yelled. ''I CAN'T HAVE THAT SECRET GOING OUT TO YOU GUYS; I JUST CAN'T. I NEED THAT FREAKING BRIEFCASE! AND IF YOU GUYS DON'T WANT TO HELP ANYMORE, THEN TO HELL WITH YOU!''
With those harsh words, Linn ran in the direction the snake went.
''Linn-san!'' Yuzu said, reaching out her hand, but it was too late as Linn was already gone.
000
Linn was in another part of the forest, searching for the snake.
''Where did you go?'' Linn said. Just then, he heard rustling in the bushes. Linn turned to the rustling sound, hoping it was the snake. Linn moved the bushes to the side, only to find Tomodachi standing there.
''Tomo?'' Linn questioned ''What are you doing here? and how did you find me?''
Tomodachi stepped off the bushes and explained ''I came looking for you, and I have your scent on me, so you weren't hard to find.''
''Oh,'' Linn said.
''Master, be honest, is this secret worth risking your life over?'' Tomo asked.
Linn sighed ''no… Linn replied, "Maybe you're right. I am obsessed. It's just the thought of you guys knowing my secret and not liking me anymore that scares me."
Tomo grabbed Linn by the shoulder and looked him straight in the eye.
''Master Linn'' Tomodachi said sternly, ''I'm your dog. Do you think I would ever think less of you? I love you and would stick by your side regardless of what you say or do.''
''Tomo…'' Linn said.
''And you may not have known Yuzu as long as you knew me, but does she seem like the judging type to you?''
''No…'' Linn replied.
'Then you have nothing to fear'' Tomo smiled. ''we would accept you for who you are.''
Linn smiled and hugged Tomo ''thanks, boy.''
''You're welcome, Master.''
Linn released the hug and looked around.
''Hey, where's Yuzu?'' Linn asked, slightly concerned.
''Don't worry; she is in the same spot as before. I'll lead the way.''
Linn and Tomodachi walk to the spot where they were before.
''Oh man'' Linn said. ''I hope Yuzu's not mad.''
''I'm sure she's fine,'' Tomo said ''although…
''What?'' Linn said fearfully.
Tomo took a thinking pose. ''I vaguely remember her saying, ' he is so grounded when I see him again, and I already have a punishment in mind.''
''Ah!'' Linn shirked. Tomo laughs.
''I'm just kidding, Master. Haha, you should have seen the look on your face.''
Tomo continued to laugh. Linn punches him in the shoulder.
''That's not funny, Tomo!'' Linn blushed, embarrassed ''I told you, she's scary when she's angry. I'm still traumatized from the last punishment she gave me.''
Tomo chuckled as he rubbed his shoulder. ''In all seriousness, she was worried about you.''
''Yea…'' Linn said, ''I'll apologize to her when I see her.''
As the two got to the spot, Tomo stopped and sniffed the air.
''What's wrong, boy?'' Linn asked.
Tomo sniffed the air. He turned to Linn with a panicked expression.
''Yuzu's scent… it's gone!''
''What do you mean it's gone?!'' Linn asked, shocked.
'' I mean, it's gone!'' Tomo explained. ''I was following her scent, and then it just disappeared!''
Linn looked worried and ran towards the spot where Yuzu was, with Tomodachi following behind. They made it to the spot, but Yuzu was absent.
''Where did she go?!'' Linn asked, panicking.
''I don't know!'' Tomo said, equally panicked ''I told her to stay put!''
''We have to find her now!''
''Yes, Master!''
The two ran around the forest, searching for the little girl. After 30 minutes of nonstop searching, they stopped to take a break.
''Where is she?'' Linn asked, panting.
''I don't know,'' Tomo replied, also panting. ''I can't find her scent anywhere; it's almost like she's not in the forest anymore.''
''That can't be!'' Linn said ''she wouldn't abandon us! She's still here! I know it!''
Linn searched everywhere: in the bushes, trees, and under rocks. She was nowhere to be found.
''Master,'' Tomo spoke up.'' I don't think she's in this area. I would have sensed her by now.''
''Then we'll look in a different area! We can't give up now!'' Linn said.
''Master, I hate being the bearer of bad news, but we searched all over the forest, and I can't sense her anywhere. That means she's either not in the forest or she's…'' Tomodachi was saying before stopping as Linn sent him a stern glare.
''Don't you dare finish that sentence!'' Linn retorted ''she can't be ''that!'' She is here somewhere! I just…I…''
Linn collapsed on his knees and began sobbing. Tomo watched his master with concern.
''Yuzu! I'm sorry!!''Linn cried ''I've been a bad boy! You can punish me or do whatever! Just come back!'' Linn was pounding the pavement and sobbing uncontrollably. Tomodachi watched on. He then began sniffing the air and turned around to find a certain little girl closing one eye and putting her finger to her lips, shushing. She then walked towards Linn.
Linn was still kneeling and crying when he felt someone hugging him. Linn turned around to find Yuzu.
''There there, hun, it's ok, mommy's right here!'' Yuzu said in a motherly tone.
''Yuzu!'' Linn said with joy; he hopped up and hugged Yuzu.
''You're ok!'' Linn said.
''Yes, I'm fine, but Linn-san, you're crushing me,'' Yuzu said, slightly pained.
''Oh, I'm sorry-'' Linn said before stopping and taking in Yuzu's appearance. She had bruises on her face and ruffled hair, her hoodie was covered in dirt, and she had bite marks on her legs.
''OH MY GOD, YUZU, WHAT HAPPENED?!''Linn yelled.
''Oh, this?'' Yuzu said ''let's just say I had to punish a certain serpent for taking things that don't belong to him.''
Linn gaped at her. ''you didn't…
''I did, and guess what I got?'' Yuzu pulled into her backpack and pulled out the briefcase. She gave it to Linn.
''I…'' Linn said, holding the briefcase. ''Thank you.''
''Your welcome'' Yuzu smiled. She then twiddles her fingers .''And I'm sorry; I should have been more open about your feelings. This secret means a lot to you, and I won't pry anymore. We can return the briefcase to the man and continue our journey.''
Linn looked at the briefcase and then at Yuzu. He put the briefcase down and faced Yuzu.
''No, I'm sorry, you were right, no secret is worth my friend's life. I'll tell you guys my secret.''
Yuzu put her hands into her mouth as Tomo raised his eyebrows.
''You sure, Master?'' Tomo asked.
Linn nodded. ''It was because of this stupid secret that we are in this mess.'' he looked at Yuzu with guilt. ''And that Yuzu got hurt. You were right, Tomo. I should have just done this from the beginning.''
Linn breathed in and out ''Ok, here goes'' Linn as Yuzu and Tomodachi listened eagerly. ''The truth is I…''
000
Silence filled the air as the trio stood there. Yuzu and Tomodachi stared blankly at Linn; their eyes whited out. Linn was fidgeting.
''So what do you think?'' Linn asked, clearly embarrassed.
Yuzu blinked twice ''That was your secret?''
''Yea…''Linn said.
Yuzu smiled ''Is that all?''
''Huh?'' Linn said, confused.
''You made it out to be some world-altering secret when it was just that,'' Yuzu giggled.
''Wait, you're ok with that?'' Linn said.
''Linn-san, that's normal for boys your age. I wouldn't think anything less of you,'' Yuzu said.
''Even I do it, master,'' Tomodachi added.
Linn just stood there dumbfounded.
''Wow, so this all could have been avoided…''
''If you just told us from the beginning.'' Tomodachi finished ''I believe I told you that.''
An awkward silence filled the air again.
''So what do we do now?'' Yuzu asked.
Linn picked up the briefcase. ''All of this happened because of this .'' Linn wound up the briefcase and threw it clear across the woods. Yuzu and Tomodachi gasped in shock.
''Linn san?!'' Yuzu said, shocked.
''Master, was that wise? don't we need that?'' Tomo said.
''This all happened because I let some random guy blackmail me into doing this when I could have just been honest from the beginning,'' Linn said. '' I'm done doing his bidding! If he wants his briefcase, he can get it himself!''
Yuzu applauded while Tomodachi nodded sagely.
''Let's get out of this forest,'' Linn said as he began walking. Tomodachi followed, and Yuzu came from behind.
''Eep,'' Yuzu let out a pained shrink as she landed on one knee. Linn was immediately at her side.
''You ok?!'' Linn asked worriedly.
''Yes, I'm fine'' Yuzu replied ''I guess I'm still a little banged up.''
''Master, I suggest we rest for the night until she feels better.''
''I agree.'' Linn turned around, got on his knees, and outstretched his hands in a carry motion.
''Get on, Yuzu. I'll carry you to a safe location to rest.''
''Oh ok,'' Yuzu said, getting on Linn's back. The trio went to a secluded location in the forest.
''This looks like a nice spot,' Linn said as he put Yuzu down.
'' I'll set up camp' 'Tomo said. He got a portable tent and portable fire out of Linn's backpack.
''I'm sorry guys,'' Yuzu said apologetically ''that's suppose to be my job.''
''Hey now,' 'Linn said, taking a seat next to her. '' Your job now is to rest and get better.''
''Yes,'' Yuzu said ''I'm sorry I worried you.''
''It's ok, but it did get me thinking,'' Linn said as Yuzu looked at Linn curiously
''Are you sure you want to continue traveling with us? You got hurt because of me, and I think-'' Before Linn could finish, Yuzu placed a finger to his lips.
''I know what you are thinking, mister,'' Yuzu said sternly, ''and my answer is no, I'm not returning to my village.'' Yuzu removed her finger.
''But don't you think you would be safer there?'' Linn asked.
''Maybe.' Yuzu replied. ''but as I said before, I can't in good conscience let two people who don't know anything about Seren go alone.
''But…''
'' No buts, young man'' Yuzu said '' ,I'm staying and that's final!''
''Ok ok geez'' Linn said give up ''you're so stubborn sometimes.''
''What was that?!'' Yuzu glared.
Linn defensively put his hands. ''I meant that in a good way!'' Linn said. He then put his hands down. ''It reminds me of Kaila,'' Linn laughed.
''That reminds me,'' Yuzu said ''What are your friends like?''
''Honestly? They're kinda like you.''
''Really?'' Yuzu asked.
''Yea,'' Linn replied. ''Kaila has blond hair and can be aggressive, bossy, and annoying, kinda Like you.'' Linn joked.
''Meanie,'' Yuzu pouted. Linn laughed.
''But she can also be kind, caring, and protective of her friends.''
''Oh.'' Yuzu said.
''The same with Erica'' Linn continued '' she can be soft-spoken and motherly too''
''I see'' Yuzu said.
''I miss them so much….OH!'' Linn came to a realization.
''What is it?'' Yuzu asked.
''Maybe that's why I was so worried.'' Linn said, " It's because you remind me of them, and I lost them, so I was afraid I would lose you too.''
''I see'' Yuzu said. She then pulled Linn into a hug.
''It's ok, Linn-san,'' Yuzu said gently. ''I'm not going anywhere, and we'll find your friends.''
''Thanks, Yuzu'' Linn said.
''Your welcome, Linn-san.'' Yuzu said breaking the hug.
''Um, Linn-san?- '' Yuzu said, Linn cut her off.
''Just call me Linn'' Linn said.
''Really? Are you sure?'' Yuzu asked, surprised.
''Yeah, I feel like we're close enough now, and I feel weird being addressed with San,'' Linn said, rubbing his head.
''Ok, Linn then'' Yuzu said ''What will you do after you find your friends?''
''I honestly don't know,'' Linn said. ''But like I told Tomo, I find them first and worry about that when the time comes.''
''I see'' Yuzu said. just then, Tomo came to the two.
''The tent is ready'' Tomodachi said.
'Ok,' Linn said as he got up and stretched. ''Go on, Yuzu.
Yuzu blinks ''go on where?
Linn raised an eyebrow ''in the tent, silly.''
Yuzu looked at the tent and blinked again.
'' But how are we all going to fit in the small tent?''
''We're not,'' Linn said. ''you're going in the tent; me and Tomodachi are sleeping out here.''
A small wind blows, and a tumbleweed passes by.
"Eh?!" Yuzu screamed, her eyes whited out.
"What?" Linn said, oblivious.
"What do you mean, what?!"Yuzu asked worriedly, "You two can't sleep out here!"
"Why not?" Linn said, raising an eyebrow.
"Why?!'' Yuzu said, still worried. "It's dark and cold, and there's dangerous creatures and-''
Linn walked up to Yuzu and patted her head.
''Hey, it's ok," Linn assured her. "we'll be fine out here. You go in the tent and rest up."
"But…''Yuzu said, hesitant.
Linn copied Yuzu's scolding stance: "No buts, young lady, you go in the tent and rest up right now!''
''Ok, ok, geez!'' Yuzu said, turning her head and pouting, "And I'm the stubborn one…" Linn and Yuzu shared a laugh.
"Seriously though, go rest up; we'll be fine.''
''If you say so, goodnight,'' Yuzu said as she headed for the tent.
"Night," Linn said as Tomodachi approached Linn.
"Master, our futons are ready."
"Alright," Linn said. He then yawned, "Let's get some shut-eye."
"As you wish, master."
The two boys lay down on their futons and fell fast asleep. Yuzu peeked out of the tent to see them asleep. She smiled warmly before taking a sad expression as she headed back into the tent to sleep.
000
Next morning
The gang packed their supplies and headed out of the forest.
"Oh, thank god!" Linn cheered, "We are finally out.''
"And I can see a village in the distance," Tomodachi pointed.
"That must be Honsen village." Yuzu said, "Normally, Honsen village would be a mile away from Kido village. That forest must have been a shortcut.''
"Speaking of the forest," Linn said, Turning to the two. "Let's agree not to go back in there for any reason.'' Tomo and Yuzu nodded their heads in agreement. As they were on their way, Tomo stopped and sniffed the air.
"What's wrong, boy?'' Linn asked.
"Someone coming," Tomodachi said.
Linn expression hardened. "Don't tell me it's "him," isn't it.''
''Yes,'' Tomodachi growled. ''That hostile but nostalgic scent, I'll recognize it anywhere.''
The trio turned to the side to find the cloaked man walking towards them.
''Well, well, well,'' the cloaked man said, grinning under his hood. ''You made out alive. I was beginning to lose hope.'' He looked towards the gang and noticed that they were empty-handed.
''But what's this?'' he frowned. ''I don't see my briefcase. What happened?''
Linn walked towards the cloaked men and glared.
''I'll tell you what happened,'' Linn said. ''We found your briefcase but didn't bring it back because I'm not taking orders from you anymore. You want your briefcase; you can get it yourself.''
The cloaked man raised an eyebrow. He then pulled out his book and turned to a page.
''Ah, I see'' the man said. He closed the book. ''It says you have memory issues, and I can see it because I remember telling you to get my briefcase or your secret goes public.''
''I remembered,'' Linn said. ''I don't care anymore. I was so scared that my friends would see me differently if they learned. But because of that,'' he looked at Yuzu with guilt. ''One of them got hurt, and that's when I realized that my friends are more important than a dumb secret. So go ahead. tell anybody, but I'm not doing your bidding anymore!" Linn took a fighting stance, ''And if you have a problem with that, then I won't hesitate to fight you!"
The man stood silent and turned around. 'This boy…' He thought with a smile. He turned back around and put his hands up.
''Hey now, no need for violence. I just wanted to have a little fun with you.''
''Well your ''fun '' almost got us killed'' Yuzu said ,hands to her hips.
''I apologize,'' the cloaked man said. ''But be that as it may, I still need that briefcase, and I can't get it myself. I still need you to retrieve it.''
''Are you kidding me?!'' Tomodachi growled. ''After all that, you still expect us to help?!''
''Relax, boy,'' Linn said calmly to Tomo. He then turned his gaze to the man. ''I already told you I'm not doing your bidding,'' he said.
''Don't worry,'' the man said. ''Instead of blackmail, I'll reward you with this.'' He reached into his cloak and pulled out what seemed to be an action figure of a middle-aged man wearing a shirt that said 'You can't see me' and jean shorts.
''You get my briefcase, and I'll give you this,'' the man said.
''Humph!'' Yuzu huffed. ''If you think we are going back in there for a toy, you got another thing coming-''
''You got a deal!'' Linn said with stars in his eyes. Yuzu facefaulted while Tomodachi gaped at his master.
Yuzu grabbed Linn by the ear. ''No, thank you. We are going now… ''Yuzu said through gritted teeth as she dragged Linn along.
''Ow, Ow, Ow, wait Yuzu!'' Linn said ''That's a limited edition; it's the last one I need! please!''
''I don't care if it's dripped in gold!'' Yuzu said sternly ''We are not going back in there for a dumb toy!''
''But! Ah!'' Yuzu pulled Linn's ear harder.
''No but's young man,'' she said, darkly. ''WE. ARE. LEAVING. NOW.''
Yuzu continued dragging Linn by the ear while Linn cried comically. Tomodachi just shook his head and sighed, following behind them. The man put the toy back in his hood and chuckled.
''Linn Tsukiyomi, you are indeed an interesting fellow,'' the man said. He walked into the forest and glanced at the group.
''Donec iterum conveniant, Linn Tsukiyomi,'' the man said as he vanished into the woods.